January 25, 2007

There are no elite running backs from the small school ranks in 2008, but, there is one elite fullback and perhaps several sleepers. There are several talented running backs to be taken in the late rounds or free agency that could provide a solid backup or role player as a rookie.

This year's class of running backs is headlined by a duo of bigger backs in Montana's Lex Hilliard and Northwest Missouri State's Xavier Omon.

Furman's Jerome Felton is an elite fullback who could be a longtime starter in the NFL.

Below is a look at the top 5 running backs and top 3 fullbacks from the small school ranks to watch in the coming months as the NFL Draft boards start to unfold.

TOP 5 SMALL SCHOOL RUNNING BACKS

1. Xavier Omon, Northwest Missouri State, 5111, 219lbs, 4.55 40

Omon is four-time All-America selection who ran for over 1,500 yards all four years in school, proving to be an every down back. He has deceptive speed as many feel he is a 4.6 type but has 4.5 speed. When you talk to Omon you can tell he is a high character kid who works hard and is focused. His downhill running style has teams buzzing, especially after his dominating performance against Division II dynasty Grand Valley State in the D2 playoffs. Omon will be at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. He should land in the 6th-7th round range of the NFL Draft.

2. Lex Hilliard, Montana, 5111, 233lbs, 4.64 40

Hilliard has been through ups and downs over his career. He was a 1st team All-Big Sky selection in 2004 and 2005 but missed the '06 season with a left Achilles tendon tear. He missed several games in '07 but still ran for 1,132 yards. He is tough to bring down in one on one a situation and has the leg drive and power to gain the extra yards that coaches look for in their backs. He has shown decent ability as a receiver and blocker, improving a good bit while in college. The big knock is his injury history and the fact that he does not flash blazing speed. He has also been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. If his medical reports reveal he is 100%, expect him to be a late round pick.

3. Chad Simpson, Morgan State, 5092, 198, 4.48 40

Simpson, a former South Florida transfer, has flown under the radar of the media but has the attention of NFL teams. He is so much on the NFL's radar that he has an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine next month. He finished his career as a two-time All-MEAC selection and earned AFCA All-America honors as a senior. The knock on him is his lack of bulk and there are questions about him taking the pounding the NFL brings on a back. If he can run in the 4.4 range at the combine at 205 plus, he should land in the late rounds of the NFL Draft and worst case will be a priority free agent signing.

4. Tim Hightower, Richmond, 6001, 218lbs, 4.65 40

Hightower finished his senior season with 1,829 yards and 20 touchdowns rushing. He earned All-America honors by Walter Camp and Associated Press for his outstanding play as a senior after earning just 3rd team All-Atlantic 10 honors as a junior. He has the physical tools to be a solid short yardage back or change of pace back to a smaller, elusive tailback. He improved greatly over his career and shows the potential to be a solid backup, as long as he is coached up. Heading into the post all-star game period he carries a priority free agent grade.

5. Omar Cuff, Delaware, 5095, 195lbs, 4.50 40

Most don't know that Cuff was a walk-on who was doubted by the coaching staff when he first came on campus. He was out of shape when he reported to camp but worked hard and became a starter as a sophomore. He ran for 1,205 yards in '05 but only had 541 yards as a junior due to injuries. As a senior he rebounded to earn All-America honors by the AP, Walter Camp, and The Sports Network. He holds the CAA records for touchdowns (7), and points (42) in a game and rushing touchdowns (6) in a game. He broke the CAA record of 24 rushing touchdowns held by Marcel Shipp with 34 this year. Cuff is a smaller back with good quickness and the ability to catch the football. His ability as a receiver intrigues many and could make him a sleeper in the coming months. He has a lot of work to do but has a chance to sneak on a practice squad as a priority free agent signing after the draft.

Notables: Kevin Richardson, Appalachian State; Jamar Brittingham, Bloomsburg; Danny Woodhead, Chadron State; Matt Lawrence, UMASS.

TOP 3 SMALL SCHOOL FULLBACKS

1. Jerome Felton, Furman, 5116, 242lbs, 4.62 40

Felton has been compared to Jerome Bettis because of his style of play but he has teams thinking he could be a TB and FB after his better than advertised speed, hands, and blocking at the East-West Shrine Game. He is a great short yardage option who has earned All-America honors the last three years. Many don't realize how tough he is as he has only missed one game over his career despite suffering a right index finger fracture and high ankle sprain. Felton entered the East-West Shrine game as a late round prospect but quickly vaulted his stock into the 3rd-4th round range after an excellent week of practice. If you ever get to meet him it will be a pleasure. He has also earned an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine next month.

2. Mike Peterson, Northwest Missouri State, 6020, 246lbs, 4.58 40 (TE)

Peterson finished his career as a two-time All-America selection and three-time All-MIAA pick. He is an excellent athlete with good straight line speed, solid hands, and good quickness of the snap. He will need to work on his blocking technique as most see him as a FB or H-back in the NFL. One concern is his age due to being over 25 years of age. It is unfortunate he did not earn a combine invite as he would impress heavily because of his workout warrior numbers he would have put up. He is a projected priority free agent selection.

3. Mike Tolbert, Coastal Carolina, 5084, 246lbs, 4.67 40

He was a 1st team All-Big South selection in 2007 after rushing for 748 yards and 9 touchdowns as a FB. Tolbert has flown under the radar this entire year as nobody has given him credit for his blocking and catching ability in college. Many are scared of his size being only 5'8. He has the ability to make a roster and become a contributing backup within 2-3 years in the system. He should be a priority free agent pickup based on current NFL grades.

Notables: Blake Martin, Sam Houston State (TE); Brad Listorti, UMASS (TE); Gerard Landry, Southern (WR)

UPDATED TOP 25

Here is a look at 25 prospects who are most on the radar of NFL scouts.

Next Week: Wide Receivers